Spanish retailer Mango is one of slew of international retailers that are expanding their presence in South Florida. They say despite current economic conditions, the area's diversity makes it an attractive place to test out or launch U.S. operations. Here, the year-old MNG by Mango clothing store on Collins Avenue in South Beach. RONNA GRADUS / MIAMI HERALD STAFF
Here, friends Karen Fried, center, and Tish Ratcliff, right, visiting from Indiana, look at clothes with help from salesperson Sorana Ruiz at the MNG by Mango clothing store in South Beach. Just a year old, the store quickly became one of the Spanish retailer's top U.S. performers, in comparision to stores in locations like Chicago, where it took a year to get people to recognize the brand name. RONNA GRADUS / MIAMI HERALD STAFF
Mango has moved quickly in the past two years to play catchup to competitors like Spain's Zara and Sweden's Hennes and Mauritz (H&M). Here, a colorful assortment of bikinis line a rack at MNG by Mango clothing store in South Beach. RONNA GRADUS / MIAMI HERALD STAFF
International retailers cite Miami's reputation for being hip and trendy, as well as its many international visitors, as a reason why they like to launch American operations from here. Here, Italian retailer Blumarine founder Anna Molinari and her son, and CEO of the company, Gianguido Tarabini, are pictured inside their new store at the Village of Merrick Park. CHARLOTTE SOUTHERN / FOR THE MIAMI HERALD
Anna Molinari, founder of Italian design retailer Blumarine, says she believes that women here share a similar taste in fashion and lifestyle compared to Italy. Here, she is pictured in her new store next to some of her creations. CHARLOTTE SOUTHERN / FOR THE MIAMI HERALD
The first U.S. store for Italian designer Blumarine opened at the Village of Merrick Park shops last week. CHARLOTTE SOUTHERN / FOR THE MIAMI HERALD
Before it opened any U.S. stores, the Candian company Fruits and Passion introduced its brand by selling its products in other U.S. stores like Anthropologie, Sur La Tab and independent gift shops. Here Fruits and Passion Boutique Manager Sonja Torres shows some of the natural products carried at her Aventura Mall shop. Nuri Vallbona / MIAMI HERALD STAFF
When Fruits and Passion opened its third store at Aventura Mall in October, the Canadian company partnered with local charity events to help build a customer base. Here, Boutique Manager Sonja Torres demonstrates an exfoliating product to customer Jacob Gonzalez at Aventura Mall. Nuri Vallbona / MIAMI HERALD STAFF
U.S. celebrity customers like Paula Deen and Rachel Ray have helped popularize Fruits and Passion products. Bottles of Baobab bubble bath from the Baobab Buriti and Tamanu line of body care products inspired by the three trees of the same name on the shelf at the Fruits and Passion store at Aventura Mall. Nuri Vallbona / MIAMI HERALD STAFF
TOUS launched its U.S. expansion at this store at Aventura Mall in 2002. Today, Florida is one of its top markets. Here, Alejandra Ullauri looks at handbags. Ronna Gradus / Miami Herald Staff
Mercy Padilla, left, and Ody Bello try on rings at TOUS in Aventura Mall, one of 22 stores across the country. Sales in the United States are about 30 percent of the Spanish company's business. Ronna Gradus / Miami Herald Staff
Cristina Campello,the store manager at TOUS in Aventura Mall, arranges the window display. Ronna Gradus / Miami Herald Staff
